21 Best Ceiling Paint Colors for Every Room and Style

When I think about painting a ceiling, I always remind myself that this surface is the quiet backdrop of every room. Many people leave it plain white without thought, but a good ceiling color can change how the entire room feels. It can make the walls look brighter, add warmth, or even create a sense of height.

I have seen bedrooms feel cozier and living rooms look fresher just by choosing the right shade above. In this article, I’ll share my favorite ceiling paint colors that I trust in my work.

These colors are easy to live with, work beautifully in many settings, and bring harmony to the whole room.

Why I Believe Ceiling Colors Matter More Than We Think

I have walked into homes where the ceiling felt like an afterthought, and the room looked unfinished. The ceiling makes up such a large part of what our eyes notice, even if we don’t think about it directly. A dull ceiling can make a room flat, while the right shade adds balance and comfort. Sometimes a crisp white is perfect, and other times a gentle color softens the room.

I always remind my clients that the ceiling is not just “the fifth wall”

 It’s a chance to give personality and comfort to the whole room.

How I Choose the Perfect Ceiling Shade for Every Room

When I pick a ceiling color, I look first at the wall shade. If the walls are white, I may add a soft color to the ceiling to keep things interesting. If the walls are darker, I choose a lighter shade above to give the room balance. I also think about the light. A north-facing room feels different from a sunny south-facing one, so the ceiling paint must work with that.

And finally, I listen to what the room is used for. A bedroom ceiling may feel softer, while a kitchen ceiling can be bright and clean.

This is how I make sure the ceiling feels like it belongs to the room and not just painted by habit.

12 Best Ceiling Paint Colors by Sherwin Williams

Ceiling Bright White — SW 7007

Ceiling Bright White looks crisp and clean, making rooms feel light and open. This color has just the right balance to brighten a room without being too sharp. I often use it when I want the walls and ceiling to look seamless. It also works beautifully in rooms with low ceilings, giving the sense of more height. I love how it reflects natural light during the day. At night, under warm bulbs, it still feels soft and welcoming.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Extra White — SW 7006

Extra White is a favorite when I want a sharp, modern feel in a room. It makes trim, walls, and ceilings look polished and fresh. I choose it often in kitchens and bathrooms, where a bright ceiling feels fresh and clean. It pairs easily with cool-toned grays and blues, but also looks great above beige walls. On ceilings, it stays bright without looking too stark. This color works especially well in open areas with plenty of natural light.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Pure White — SW 7005

Pure White is a soft white that feels welcoming and easy. On ceilings, it blends with most wall colors, so it’s one of my go-to choices. It has a touch of warmth, which keeps it from feeling too sterile. Bedrooms with Pure White ceilings always look cozy without being heavy. It also works beautifully with creamy whites or light grays on the walls. I often use it in homes where the goal is comfort and brightness together.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Alabaster — SW 7008

Alabaster is warm and comforting without feeling heavy. I often choose it for bedrooms or family rooms where people want to relax. On ceilings, it brings warmth down without stealing the show. It pairs nicely with earthy wall colors and soft pastels. Alabaster is the shade that makes a room feel inviting but not too dark. In homes with wood furniture, it looks especially beautiful overhead.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Greek Villa — SW 7551

Greek Villa has a gentle cream undertone that feels classic and refined. I love using it on ceilings where I want a softer look than plain white. It works perfectly in dining rooms and bedrooms, adding warmth without drawing too much attention. Greek Villa pairs well with both cool and warm wall shades. It’s one of those colors that quietly improves everything around it. I often recommend it when a client wants a ceiling that feels gentle but still bright.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Snowbound — SW 7004

Snowbound has a modern, slightly cool undertone that feels fresh. On ceilings, it looks clean without being too stark. I often pair it with gray walls or soft blues for a balanced look. It gives a subtle contrast to warmer wall colors, which makes the room feel more layered. Snowbound works especially well in bedrooms with simple, clean décor. It’s a choice I return to when I want a fresh, polished finish above.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Eider White — SW 7014

Eider White is a light grayish white that adds softness to a ceiling. I like to use it when a plain white would feel too simple. It works beautifully with both warm and cool wall colors. On ceilings, it creates a quiet sense of depth without making the room dark. It’s a color that feels restful but still fresh. I often use it in bedrooms and offices where the ceiling should support the room’s comfort.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Nebulous White — SW 7063

Nebulous White has a gentle gray-blue tone that feels airy. On ceilings, it adds a whisper of color without being obvious. I love using it in rooms with white or light walls, giving the ceiling more personality. It works beautifully in bedrooms, especially when paired with soft bedding and natural light. This shade is perfect when you want the ceiling to feel special but not distracting. It’s one of those colors that makes people look up and smile.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

High Reflective White — SW 7757

High Reflective White is one of the brightest whites I use. On ceilings, it makes a room look crisp and full of light. It works best in modern spaces where brightness is key. This color pairs well with dark walls, creating a strong but elegant contrast. In smaller rooms, it helps the ceiling feel higher. I often choose it when I want the ceiling to bounce light around the room.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Fleur de Sel — SW 7666

Fleur de Sel is a soft gray with a hint of warmth. On ceilings, it gives depth while staying gentle. It works well with gray, beige, and blue wall colors. Bedrooms with this ceiling color always feel soft and balanced. It’s a wonderful choice when a plain white feels too simple but a darker shade would be too much. I find Fleur de Sel to be one of the most flexible ceiling colors.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Silvermist — SW 7621

Silvermist is a gray-blue-green that feels light and airy. On ceilings, it adds character while staying restful. It’s perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms where a touch of color above feels refreshing. I love pairing it with white or neutral walls, letting the ceiling become a soft highlight. This shade feels especially pretty in natural light. It makes ceilings feel alive without being too bold.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Sea Salt — SW 6204

Sea Salt is a soft green-gray that feels fresh and easy. On ceilings, it adds just enough color to make the room interesting. I use it often in bedrooms, bathrooms, and coastal homes. It pairs beautifully with white walls or sandy beige tones. Sea Salt makes a ceiling feel calm but never plain. It’s one of my favorites for giving a ceiling a gentle personality.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

12 Best Ceiling Paint Colors by Benjamin Moore

Chantilly Lace — OC-65

Chantilly Lace is one of the brightest whites I use. On ceilings, it feels fresh, sharp, and clean. It pairs well with both cool and warm walls, making it versatile for any room. This shade reflects light beautifully, making ceilings feel higher. It’s perfect for modern spaces that need brightness. I often choose it when I want a polished, simple look overhead.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Decorator’s White — OC-149

Decorator’s White has a cool tone that feels crisp. On ceilings, it gives a modern touch without being too stark. I like pairing it with grays, blues, and cool whites on the walls. It helps rooms feel balanced and bright. It’s a great choice for bedrooms with clean, modern style. This color always feels fresh without being too sharp.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Super White — OC-152

Super White is bright and powerful. On ceilings, it makes rooms shine with light. It pairs well with darker wall colors, offering contrast that looks elegant. I like using it in small rooms to make them feel larger. It’s also great in modern spaces with simple décor. Super White is one of my go-to choices for ceilings that need a bold brightness.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Simply White — OC-117

Simply White has a soft warmth that feels welcoming. On ceilings, it blends easily with many wall shades. It works especially well in bedrooms and family rooms. I love how it reflects light without being too bright. It’s the kind of shade that makes a room feel easy to live in. Simply White is one of my most trusted ceiling choices.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

White Dove — OC-17

White Dove has a creamy undertone that feels comforting. On ceilings, it softens the look of the room. It pairs well with earthy or muted wall colors. I often use it in bedrooms where the goal is rest and ease. White Dove works beautifully with traditional and modern styles alike. It’s a ceiling color that feels natural and effortless.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Cloud White — OC-130

Cloud White feels warm and soft. On ceilings, it makes a room feel welcoming without being heavy. It pairs nicely with warm neutrals and earthy tones. I love it in bedrooms and dining rooms where comfort is the goal. Cloud White reflects light gently, creating a soft glow. It’s a wonderful choice when you want the ceiling to add warmth.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Oxford White — CC-30

Oxford White is bright with a slight cool touch. On ceilings, it keeps things crisp without looking too stark. It works well with modern and traditional rooms alike. I often use it when the walls have gray or blue tones. Oxford White is flexible, making it one of my trusted picks. It’s clean, fresh, and easy to pair with many styles.

Swiss Coffee — OC-45

Swiss Coffee has a soft, creamy warmth. On ceilings, it brings a gentle glow to the room. I love pairing it with beige or warm gray walls. Bedrooms with this ceiling shade feel welcoming and easy. It’s perfect for clients who want a ceiling that feels soft but not plain. Swiss Coffee adds a gentle character without being too bold.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Distant Gray — 2124-70

Distant Gray is a very light gray with a cool undertone. On ceilings, it adds quiet depth while staying bright. I like using it with white or blue walls for balance. It makes ceilings feel more interesting without being obvious. This shade works well in bedrooms and offices. Distant Gray is a fresh alternative to plain white ceilings.

Horizon — 1478

Horizon is a light gray with a touch of blue. On ceilings, it adds softness that feels airy. It works beautifully in bedrooms and bathrooms. I love how it shifts gently with natural light during the day. Horizon pairs well with both warm and cool walls. It’s a calming choice that adds personality without being bold.

Silver Satin — OC-26

Silver Satin is a pale gray that feels soft and light. On ceilings, it offers depth without being dark. I use it often with neutral wall colors for balance. It looks especially pretty in bedrooms with natural light. Silver Satin is a shade that feels both modern and welcoming. It’s a ceiling color I trust to always look good.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Gray Owl — OC-52

Gray Owl is a soft gray with a balanced undertone. On ceilings, it gives a modern, stylish touch. It works well with white, beige, and blue walls. I often use it in bedrooms where the ceiling needs a little character. Gray Owl adds quiet contrast without taking over. It’s a great choice for modern and classic rooms alike.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

8 Best Ceiling Paint Colors for White Walls

Sea Salt — SW 6204

Sea Salt looks refreshing and soft above white walls. It adds just enough color to make the room interesting. I love how it pairs with bright whites, giving the ceiling a gentle personality. It works beautifully in bedrooms, bathrooms, and coastal homes. Sea Salt keeps the room fresh without being too bold. It’s one of my favorite ways to add charm to white walls.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Silvermist — SW 7621

Silvermist has a gray-blue tone that feels light. On ceilings with white walls, it adds soft contrast. I love how it shifts in different light, sometimes more blue, sometimes more green. It makes a ceiling feel more alive while still gentle. Bedrooms and bathrooms look especially pretty with this pairing. Silvermist is a wonderful choice for adding interest above white walls.

Horizon — BM 1478

Horizon is a pale gray with a quiet blue touch. Above white walls, it creates depth without being heavy. I often use it in bedrooms where the ceiling should feel restful. It looks especially nice in natural light, changing slightly during the day. Horizon pairs beautifully with crisp white trim. It’s an elegant choice that makes ceilings feel special.

Gray Owl — BM OC-52

Gray Owl is a light gray that works well above white walls. It gives the ceiling a soft touch of color. I love how it balances both warm and cool whites. In bedrooms, it creates a sense of comfort without being heavy. It also works well in living rooms with white walls and simple décor. Gray Owl is a ceiling color that feels fresh but never plain.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Balboa Mist — BM OC-27

Balboa Mist is a warm gray that feels soft and inviting. Above white walls, it adds a gentle contrast. I love how it warms up a room without taking over. In bedrooms, it helps the ceiling feel closer and more comforting. It also pairs well with light wood furniture and soft fabrics. Balboa Mist is one of my favorite ceiling shades for white-walled rooms.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Agreeable Gray — SW 7029

Agreeable Gray is a balanced gray that fits almost anywhere. On ceilings above white walls, it adds warmth and depth. I use it often in bedrooms and living rooms. It pairs nicely with both warm and cool whites. This color keeps a room from feeling too plain. Agreeable Gray is one of the easiest ceiling colors to recommend.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Palladian Blue — BM HC-144

Palladian Blue is a soft blue-green that feels airy. On ceilings above white walls, it looks refreshing and light. I love using it in bedrooms and bathrooms for a gentle lift. It pairs beautifully with white trim and natural light. Palladian Blue makes ceilings feel cheerful without being bold. It’s a classic ceiling color that always feels right.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Fleur de Sel — SW 7666

Fleur de Sel is a gentle gray that works beautifully above white walls. It gives just enough contrast to make the ceiling interesting. I love using it in bedrooms, kitchens, and hallways. It pairs nicely with modern and traditional white tones. Fleur de Sel is a choice that feels natural and balanced. It’s a ceiling color that always fits in.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

11 Best Ceiling Paint Colors for the Bedroom

Alabaster — SW 7008

Alabaster is warm and welcoming above bedroom walls. It softens the look of the ceiling without feeling heavy. I love using it in rooms with natural wood and soft fabrics. It makes a bedroom feel restful and safe. Alabaster pairs beautifully with earthy wall colors and light pastels. It’s one of my most trusted bedroom ceiling shades.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Greek Villa — SW 7551

Greek Villa feels soft and creamy above a bed. It’s perfect for bedrooms where pure white might feel too sharp. I love how it adds warmth to the ceiling while staying bright. It pairs nicely with both warm and cool walls. Greek Villa creates a ceiling that feels gentle and inviting. It’s a shade I often choose for bedrooms with cozy style.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Snowbound — SW 7004

Snowbound has a fresh, modern tone that works well in bedrooms. On ceilings, it looks bright without being stark. I love pairing it with gray or blue walls for balance. It makes a ceiling look polished and clean. Snowbound works especially well in bedrooms with simple décor. It’s a shade that always feels fresh overhead.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Eider White — SW 7014

Eider White is a soft white with a hint of gray. In bedrooms, it adds quiet depth to the ceiling. I like how it blends with both warm and cool walls. It makes a room feel restful without being plain. Eider White pairs beautifully with muted fabrics and soft bedding. It’s a wonderful choice for ceilings that need a gentle touch.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Nebulous White — SW 7063

Nebulous White adds a soft gray-blue note to a ceiling. In bedrooms, it makes the room feel airy and peaceful. I love using it above white or light-colored walls. It pairs beautifully with soft linens and natural light. Nebulous White gives the ceiling just enough color to feel interesting. It’s a lovely choice for bedrooms that need a fresh touch.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Fleur de Sel — SW 7666

Fleur de Sel has a soft gray tone that feels light. On bedroom ceilings, it creates balance and comfort. I love pairing it with beige or blue walls. It looks especially nice in rooms with soft textures and simple furniture. Fleur de Sel adds quiet personality to the ceiling. It’s one of my most recommended shades for restful bedrooms.

Sea Salt — SW 6204

Sea Salt is a green-gray that feels fresh above a bed. It adds interest to the ceiling without being bold. I love pairing it with white or sandy beige walls. It makes a bedroom feel light and welcoming. Sea Salt works especially well in coastal or cottage-style rooms. It’s a ceiling shade that feels easy and pleasant.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Silvermist — SW 7621

Silvermist has a soft blue-gray tone that works beautifully in bedrooms. On ceilings, it adds a touch of character while staying light. I love how it pairs with white or pale gray walls. It makes a ceiling feel unique but still restful. Silvermist looks especially pretty in natural morning light. It’s one of my favorite bedroom ceiling shades.

Horizon — BM 1478

Horizon is a gray with a quiet blue touch. On ceilings, it adds softness that feels right for bedrooms. I love how it changes with natural light, sometimes cooler, sometimes warmer. It pairs well with both light and dark walls. Horizon makes ceilings feel graceful and interesting. It’s a beautiful choice for bedrooms of any style.

White Dove — BM OC-17

White Dove is warm and creamy, making bedroom ceilings feel soft. I love using it in rooms where comfort is most important. It pairs well with muted wall colors and gentle fabrics. White Dove reflects light in a way that feels cozy. It’s a shade I trust when I want the ceiling to feel restful. Bedrooms with White Dove ceilings always feel inviting.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Balboa Mist — BM OC-27

Balboa Mist is a warm gray that feels gentle overhead. On ceilings, it adds depth while staying soft. I love pairing it with white or light beige walls. It works beautifully in bedrooms with neutral décor. Balboa Mist makes the ceiling feel like part of the whole design. It’s a shade that brings warmth and style together.

🎨 Learn more about this color in the full guide right HERE 👈

Final Thoughts on a Restful Bedroom

I always tell my clients that ceilings deserve as much care as the walls. The color above can change the way a room feels, adding brightness, comfort, or quiet balance. Whether it’s a pure white or a soft gray-blue, the right ceiling color makes the whole room come together. In bedrooms, especially, it adds comfort in a way that feels natural and easy.

When you choose your ceiling paint with care, you create a room where everything feels right.